Swapping cancer "supplies"

thepinkbirdie

Does anyone know if there is such a thing as a swap site on the internet that is primarily for people who are looking for items such as "chemo" caps that others might have and no longer need?

AzKim

I've never heard of anything like this,.but,.what a great idea!!!

kfinnigan

check with your local American Cancer Society and ask, I've heard of donated items.  Also in our chemo room, there was a box of donated items.  Good luck!

dlb823

Hi, Marie ~  Not sure if you're just after a chemo cap for yourself (do you mean the Penguin cold cap? or just cute head coverings to wear?) or thinking about starting some kind of service, but I don't think anyone's doing it now -- at least not on a national level.  But Kari is right about the ACS.  They get donated brand new cosmetics that they give away during their Look Good Feel Better classes -- a nice treat and great pick me up when you're going through chemo.  They also gave out free wigs at my class and that others have reported getting by contacting their local ACS office.    Deanna 

SoCalLisa

I know--- purplemb--- has a swap for unused breast forms...

check under reconstruction alternatives or click on her name

Kathy16

I don't know a site, but you might want to check with your oncology office's nurses/social worker. I have a wig I didn't like (bought another) and some other things to donate.



Also - if you just finished chemo and have drugs you don't need anymore (like Zofran, etc.) you also might ask Onc's office. I asked at my very last chemo if I could donate any of my drugs once I finished and felt better (the doctor was generous and wrote large scripts & I didn't want to throw them out). She said as long as they knew the patient and it came to their office in the orig. bottle they would dole it out in special envelopes they had in their office. Nurse said a lot of people can't afford the drugs and don't have coverage plan. Those drugs helped me so much and I could only think of the people who didn't have a prescription plan and couldn't afford the best of the anti-nausea drugs, etc. So, you never know what can be donated or help someone else!

dash

I think it's great idea too. I wonder if we can have a swap thread here? I have 2 new in package medical bras that are just sitting around. I'd love to pass them along to someone!

Sherri_V

Yes, that would be a great idea.  I've pretty much decided that I won't use a wig because, with all of the other expenses, I just cannot justify the cost.  However, once my hair falls out - maybe I will change my mind.  It would be nice to have an option without going into further debt!

Sherri

Toddy

It is a great idea if you are talking about penguin Cold Caps I am pretty sure you can only rent them. In New Zealand you can rent them as a complete kit ready to use.

Best of luck

Todd

thepinkbirdie

Hi everyone.

I decided to start a Yahoo group for this kind of stuff.  Here is the link:

CancerConnections-subscribe@yahoogroups.com 

gfbaker

Sherri,

You should contact American Cancer Society for the Look Good Feel Better program; they have free wigs. Also check with your local cancer centers. Mine in Portland, OR had free wigs at their "appearance center" which sold hats, scarves, etc. You could also maybe call a wig store and see if they have anything they would donate, you never know. Even though I lost my hair in the summer and didn't need the wig for warmth, just looking like everyone else made me feel better. May your treatment be quick and as easy as possible.

Gayle